Nottingham Forest have made an approach to sign West Ham United’s Reece Oxford on loan according to a report from the Daily Mirror.
The 18-year-old defender, who can also play in midfield, came to everyone’s attention when he made his début as a 16-year-old in a Europa League match for West Ham, becoming their youngest player ever. More eyes were raised when he put in a man of the match display in the opening game of the season against Arsenal, with many marking him out as a future star player.
But while he ended the year with good news after he signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Hammers, he has struggled to get first team football this season. His only two appearances have come in the Europa league and has instead had to cope with playing U23 football since August. But Oxford needs first team football in order to develop as a player so many teams believe he would be available for loan during this transfer window.
And that is why Nottingham Forest have made an approach to sign him on loan. Despite being under the caretaker management of Gary Brazil following the sacking of Philippe Montanier, they are looking for squad reinforcements to prevent the historic side from being relegated to Sky Bet League One. And while Oxford is young, the level of his performances when he has played for West Ham have shown he could end up being a vital asset for Forest.
They will face competition for his signature though with Brentford and Rangers also said to be interested.
